Stella McCartney unveils new sponsorship programme

Stella McCartney has unveiled a new sponsorship programme

for students  of Central Saint Martins, funded by her eponymous company. The  designer, who also attended the university, said at CSM's graduation  ceremony yesterday - where she received an Honorary Fellowship - that  her time there was "life-changing".

 "To get to a college like this is so hard for so many talented young  people," McCartney said. "For that reason, I am setting up this  scholarship and I encourage other fortunate fashion houses to do the  same."

 The Stella McCartney Scholarship will fund home, EU and international  MA Fashion students on the basis of "academic excellence and financial  need" and will also include a one-year paid placement at Stella  McCartney. The designer has asked that, in line with her beliefs,  students who win the scholarship commit not to use fur, leather or  products that harm animals as part of their university work.